UNC Not Seeking Reinstatement For P.J. Hairston

Chapel Hill, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina will not seek reinstatement of player P.J. Hairston from Greensboro.

Hairston was benched for 10 games this season due to eligibility issues. UNC's athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement on the school's website, "Unfortunately P.J. made a number of mistakes that placed his eligibility at risk and the University's joint review with the NCAA made it clear that seeking reinstatement for P.J. would not be possible."

Cunningham also thanked the junior guard for his contributions to Carolina Basketball. UNC's head coach Roy Williams expressed his own disappointment saying, "I'm extremely disappointed for P.J., his family and our team as he will no longer be playing basketball at North Carolina." Williams also added "P.J. made mistakes and I was very disappointed by his actions and now he is suffering the very difficult consequences. He is not a bad kid; he made some mistakes."

Williams also stated he's been outstanding with the UNC basketball program and with schoolwork. He also said he cares "deeply about Carolina and the basketball program."

USA Today reports the Hairston family released a statement through New York-based spokeswoman Crystal Howard that said the family is "displeased" at UNC's decision not to submit a request for Hairston's reinstatement.

"This process has been long, and for (it) to end without having a final decision from the governing body is a shame," the statement read. "Despite our disappointment, we wish the team continued success. PJ will be making an announcement about his future plans within the next few weeks."

Hairston scored 707 points and made 127 three-pointers in 71 games as a Tar Heel. He also led in scoring at 14.6 points per game and hit 89 threes which is the second-most in UNC's single-season history.

Cunningham also thanked Coach Williams for how he has held the team together early this season despite two veteran players being out. Cunningham also states "We are glad that Leslie McDonald was reinstated and look forward to watching his Tar Heel teammates and him compete the rest of this season."